For the first time in over a decade, a Manchester City vs Liverpool Premier League fixture will unfold without Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp pacing the touchline. Enzo Maresca takes his City side to Anfield on Sunday, stepping into a rivalry that defined an era and now must redefine itself.
The fixture marks the first league meeting between the clubs since March 2015 without either managerial giant in the dugout. Maresca, barely settled into the job, faces the sternest test of his early reign. Anfield has been a graveyard for many a title challenge, and this City squad is still finding its feet under a new boss. The international break offered a brief pause, but the real work resumes on Merseyside.
International Round-Up: Haaland Tired, Cherki Sharp
Erling Haaland scored three goals for Norway during the break, but his withdrawal against Portugal was later attributed to tiredness rather than injury. That will come as a relief to City's medical staff, though the striker's workload remains a talking point. He is contracted to the club until 2034, and there is no indication City intend to sell him — a statement that feels almost redundant given his importance.
Rayan Cherki, meanwhile, registered an assist for France, adding to a season that has already yielded six goal contributions in eight appearances. His form has reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, who are monitoring his situation in case he becomes available. The key word is 'if'. Cherki is not currently on the market, no bid or formal approach has been reported, and his contract runs until 2030. City have given no indication they would entertain offers.
Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi both started England's 3-0 win over Czechia, playing 63 minutes before being replaced. Anderson was involved in the move for Harry Kane's opening goal, playing the ball to Morgan Rogers, who provided the assist. Guehi helped England keep another clean sheet. Rico Lewis, promoted from the Under-21 squad after Nico O'Reilly's withdrawal, was an unused substitute. Antoine Semenyo and O'Reilly returned early with fitness concerns, while Iliman Ndiaye found the net for Senegal.
Off-Field Noise: Verdict Fallout and Soriano's Fight
The international break also brought a fresh wave of off-field chatter. The Telegraph reported that Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham were informed of City's guilty verdict before the rest of the Premier League, owing to legal notices that preserved their right to seek potential compensation. Those notices, however, preserved positions rather than establishing a right to damages. It is a subtle distinction, but an important one.
Daniel Taylor wrote that Ferran Soriano is fighting for his future and reputation following the verdict, with questions raised about his position should City's appeal fail. There is no suggestion City have decided to remove their long-serving chief executive. Soriano has told club employees he believes City will ultimately be vindicated.
On the penalty front, talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil claimed he had heard City could face a 60-point deduction, attributing the figure to unnamed sources in Manchester. There has been no official confirmation that such a penalty has been proposed or decided. It is worth treating with the usual caution.
talkSPORT's Andy Brassell offered a more speculative take, suggesting Haaland could play alongside Harry Kane at Bayern Munich if the Norway striker ever became available, and that Real Madrid would also pursue him in those circumstances. Again, there is no indication City intend to sell. The 60-point claim and the transfer chatter will fade. The trip to Anfield will not.